Business Development Manager, Diageo Portfolio - New Haven (Connecticut)

Martignetti Companies•New Haven, CT

10d•$63,000 - $66,000

About The Position

The Business Development Manager is responsible for achieving supplier objectives and key performance indicators while implementing strategies across on- and off-premise accounts. The role focuses on brand activation and account development, including building relationships with key accounts, securing menu mentions and merchandising standards, educating staff, and sharing market learnings with distributor sales personnel. The position works primarily in the trade, with at least five days per week in accounts and some weekend work, and requires 12–15 calls per day. The role also supports promotional and charitable events and maintains accurate customer, contact, KPI, and follow-up information. The position requires knowledge of the spirits industry, strong customer relationship and negotiation skills, the ability to create and sell ideas, and effective communication with a range of audiences. The role may require flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, and participation in business meetings, company initiatives, and events upon request. Physical activities include extended sitting and computer or iPad use, occasional walking, bending, reaching, standing, and stooping, and occasional lifting, lowering, pushing, carrying, or pulling of up to 50 pounds. The listed base salary is $63,000–$66,000. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, as well as paid time off and employee discounts.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least four years of spirits-industry-related experience within the supplier or activation agency community.
Valid state motor vehicle operator’s license and ability to obtain and maintain auto liability insurance in accordance with state laws.
Strong relationship-building skills and ability to understand customer needs and offer options that meet customer and company business needs.
Comprehensive understanding of the spirits industry, including category dynamics, mixology, on- and off-premise merchandising, and the competitive set.
Ability to adapt and assist a variety of internal customer groups and personality types, especially on-premise operators and mixologists.
Strong negotiation skills and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Ability to create and sell innovative ideas.
Goal-oriented, focused, and assertive, with the ability to work with little direction or supervision.
Effective communication skills, including the ability to present information and respond appropriately to different audiences.
Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends, for account promotions, education and mixology programs, and charitable events.
Ability to maintain organized, accurate, and current account and customer data.

Nice To Haves

College degree or equivalent work experience, training, or education.

Responsibilities

Achieve on- and off-premise KPIs by securing permanent menu mentions, maintaining merchandising standards, and scheduling and conducting staff education.
Establish and maintain value-added relationships with the top 100–120 on- and off-premise key accounts.
Work primarily in the trade at least five days per week, including some weekends, and execute at least 12–15 on- and off-premise calls per day.
Relay accumulated learnings to distributor sales personnel to help achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual on-premise goals.
Assist with promotional and charitable events.
Maintain accurate and current information on contacts, KPIs, follow-up requests, and customer needs.
Review comparative sales data for analysis.
Stay apprised of federal, state, and local laws affecting the beverage and alcohol industry within assigned accounts.
Participate in business meetings, company initiatives, and events upon request.